Ireland 4-2 Poland

Ireland’s men recorded a 4-2 victory in their must-win clash against Poland at the European Championships in Boom today.

Ireland, who were edged out 2-1 by the Netherlands in their opening encounter in Belgium on Sunday, took the lead in the sixth minute after Conor Harte dispatched Eugene Magee’s penalty corner.

Poland equalised just five minutes later when Adam Chwalisz capitalised on confusion in the Ireland area to beat David Harte in the Ireland goal.

Ronan Gormley and Peter Caruth were both denied by the woodwork before Shane O’Donoghue restored the Green Machine’s lead in the 27th minute with a reverse-stick shot through a forest of Poland defenders.

Chris Cargo was another Ireland star to be denied by the post after the restart, but Eugene Magee’s high drag following a penalty corner made it 3-1 in the 44th minute.

Ireland put the game beyond Poland’s reach with just five minutes remaining on the clock when Michael Watt blazed down the wing and fired the ball high and to the right of the keeper.

Chwalisz claimed a late consolation goal for Poland in the 69th minute when capitalising on a bouncing ball at the near post.

Ireland will now go into their final pool game against England at 10.30am Irish time on Wednesday, with a chance of securing a spot in the final four.